Akram Afif shone in the Asian Cup final, scoring a hat-trick of penalties to lead Qatar to a second consecutive title. With eight goals, he was the tournament’s top scorer and earned multiple individual awards. His success has reignited speculation about a move to Europe, where he previously played with limited success. Afif expressed a desire to play professionally in Europe, but decisions will involve discussions with his family.
Akram Afif played a pivotal role in the Asian Cup final, where he successfully converted three penalties, leading Qatar to its second consecutive title. As the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, Afif has solidified his status among Asian football fans. His exceptional performance has reignited speculation about a potential return to European football after previous stints in Belgium and Spain, albeit with modest outcomes.
Having scored three penalties in the final against Jordan, Afif also earned three individual accolades: Player of the Match, Most Valuable Player, and Top Scorer. He was previously instrumental in Qatar’s victory in the 2019 Asian Cup, demonstrating his ability to excel on the international stage with a record of 10 assists. Coaches have acknowledged Afif’s talent, suggesting that a return to Europe might be an inevitable move.
During the latest tournament, Afif scored multiple key goals, including a double against Lebanon and crucial penalties that helped Qatar progress through various stages. His scoring ability reached its pinnacle in the final when he became the first player to net three penalties in an Asian Cup final, further highlighting his outstanding skills. Afif, who once had dreams of playing in Europe, noted that the decision is not solely his to make but would include discussions with his family.
While his focus remains on celebrating Qatar’s victory at the Asian Cup, he expressed a desire to pursue professional opportunities in Europe. Historically, few players from the Gulf region have achieved success in European leagues, with notable exceptions such as Oman’s Ali Al Habsi, who excelled with English clubs and won an FA Cup title. Other players, like UAE’s Omar Abdulrahman, have passed up opportunities for moves to Europe, choosing to continue their careers in domestic leagues instead.
Akram Afif’s remarkable performance at the Asian Cup final has raised his profile internationally, especially regarding a potential return to European football. His achievements include being the tournament’s top scorer and a trailblazer for Qatari football. While he cherishes his current success, his aspirations for European football reflect a broader ambition of athletes from the Gulf region. Historical precedents of players succeeding in Europe amplify the importance of Afif’s potential future moves.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
